Description

Curtiss P-40B: A WWII Icon During the early stages of WWII, the American built Curtiss P-40B proved to be one of the most important fighter aircraft available to Allied Air Forces. Flying with the RAF in North Africa and the American Volunteer Group in China, the Allison V-1710-33 powered P-40B became one of the most distinctive fighters of the entire war, adorned with their fearsome shark-mouth artwork. Arguably, the most striking versions of the P-40 were the early machines, which displayed an extremely sinister profile—with a shorter, more pointed nose and a powerful Allison V-1710 engine. The P-40B (Tomahawk IIa in RAF service) looked almost like a flying Great White shark. When RAF No.112 Squadron of the Desert Air Force added aggressive looking sharks’ teeth and eyes to their aircraft in 1941, they inadvertently turned their Tomahawks into some of the most iconic aircraft of WWII and certainly some of the most visually appealing.Key Features Scale: 1:48 Highly detailed model of the Curtiss P-40B Authentic shark-mouth artwork Suitable for experienced modellers Includes detailed cockpit and engine components These designs would find their way onto many different aircraft throughout the remainder of the war, but the RAF Desert Air Force certainly started the trend. The Curtiss P-40B remains a beloved model for enthusiasts and collectors alike, representing a significant chapter in aviation history. Department Code: 3631